OR 542

Operations Research: Stochastic Models

Spring 2002

Instructor: Dr. Andrew Loerch

Office: Science and Tech II, Room 119

Phone: (703) 993-1657 (O); (703) 709-7465 (H)

E-mail: aloerch@gmu.edu

URL http://classweb.gmu.edu/aloerch/OR542s02.htm

Office Hours: Before or after class, or by appointment

Text: Introduction to Operations Research (7th Ed.) by Hillier and Lieberman

Description: The intent of this course is to provide a modern perspective on the analysis of systems that are stochastic in nature, that is, ones that have a random component. There will be an emphasis on the underlying random processes, ultimately leading to the development of practical strategies for dealing with the design and analysis of these systems in a contemporary technological environment. Prerequisites are knowledge of the fundamental elements of probability (no statistical inference is needed) and a general graduate-level maturity in applied mathematics. There will be a special emphasis on the numerical solution of problems using spreadsheet software.

Class rules

Topic Assignment*

Introduction and Review of Probability

Review Problem Sheet Bayes

Decision Analysis Read Chapt.15 HW2, HW3

Markov Chains Read Chapt.16 HW4: 16.2-1,2,3; 16.3-2, 16.4-1,2

HW5: 16.5-1, 4, 6; 16.6-1, 4, 5; 16.7-1

+ class problem

Queueing Theory Read Chapt.17 HW 17.5-1 a, b; 17.5-2 a, b, c, 17.5-3, a, b, c; #5 on the HW sheet on the web

Inventory Modeling Read Chapt. 19 HW 19.3-1,2,3(e,f,g),4(e only), 15,16

HW2 19.6-1, 3 (a, c)

Do # 3-6 on HW2 above for April 30

Forecasting Read Chapt. 20

Simulation Read Chapt. 22

* Homework sets will be assigned on a weekly basis

Grading: Midterm 40%

Final Exam 40%

Class & Homework 20%

100%